Chaplain’s Corner – Temptation vs. Testing

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone…” (James 1:13).

The objective of temptation is to lead us to break God’s commandments, and therefore, to sin. Temptation can come from Satan (Ephesians 6:11, James 4:7), it can come from our own human nature (Romans 7:18, Galatians 5:19-21, James 1:14-15), and it can come from the world (2 Peter 1:4, Galatians 1:4, 1 John 2:15). While God uses trials and testing to help us to grow, temptation is quite different. God will never tempt us; he will never try to cause us to sin (James 1:13).

In all cases, the primary tool used by Satan in temptation is deception. For example, while in the Garden of Eden, Satan deceived Eve into a misunderstanding of God’s character and intention (“You will not certainly die.”) Satan deceived Eve, then she deceived Adam. We also say Adam should have known better, but he allowed himself to be deceived, either forgetting or choosing not to remember God’s instructions. It would seem like a small thing, but allowing deception is never a small thing. It is the first step into a potential fatal downhill slide.

King David gave into temptation when he seduced Bathsheba and then had her husband killed. This was not a test or trial; God would have not condoned either action. David had given in to the deception that as King he was above God’s law when it came to adultery and murder. When he was confronted by Nathan, he realized what he had done, and he admitted: “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 20:13). Again, in Psalm 51:4, he cries out “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight…” It is worth noting that although David had to suffer the consequences of his sin, God forgave him and did not take away his throne.

Jesus is our best example of how to overcome temptation. Just as the objective of temptation is to deceive us into breaking God’s commandments; overcoming temptation is possible when we know and obey God’s Word. Just like we discussed in last week’s devotion, the Scriptures are our lens, or filter, for determining right and wrong. We must know the Scriptures. Then we will see deception for what it is. Not only that, with God’s Word comes the power to overcome, the way out of temptation. We can say, with Jesus: “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’” (Matthew 4:10; Deuteronomy 6:13).

The Apostle Paul himself had committed acts of violence including murder against Christians before his conversion. He knew the Scriptures as well as anyone, but he had allowed Satan to distort the message and to use him for his own evil purposes to stop the progress of Christianity. But God is more powerful than our sin. He rescued Saul (a/k/a Paul), and Paul, through the power of the Holy Spirit, began his ministry to spread the gospel to Gentiles throughout the known world. Paul acknowledged his struggles with sin, and he endured temptations, trials, and testing throughout his ministry. He encouraged us with his example, and his teaching, as in the following verses of which his life was his testimony.

We are all tempted. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But praise God our story does not have to stop there. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

We will be tempted. We should learn to expect it; anticipate it. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). These barbs, slings and arrows are the tools of Satan.

We will be tempted, and we should learn to prepare for it. We prepare by absorbing the Word of God. And when we fail, which as humans we certainly will do, then we confess our sins. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). God is so good!!!

Judy